Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, refers to pain in the coccyx, the small triangular bone at the very bottom of the spine. It often presents as aching or sharp pain near the gluteal cleft, especially when sitting, leaning back, or rising from a seated position.
While tailbone pain usually improves with conservative care, some patients experience persistent or disabling symptoms that require further evaluation and treatment.
Common Causes of Tailbone Pain
Direct trauma (e.g., fall onto a hard surface, sports injury)
Repetitive strain or prolonged sitting on hard or narrow surfaces
Childbirth-related pressure or injury
Degenerative joint changes at the sacrococcygeal junction
Coccygeal hypermobility or instability
Infections or tumors (rare but possible)
Post-surgical or idiopathic causes (unknown origin)
Symptoms of Coccydynia
Aching, sharp, or stabbing pain at the base of the spine
Pain that worsens with sitting, leaning backward, or prolonged pressure
Tenderness when touching or pressing on the tailbone area
Discomfort during bowel movements or sexual activity in some cases
Pain relief when leaning forward or sitting on a cushion
Conservative Treatment Options
Activity Modification
Avoid sitting on hard surfaces
Use donut or wedge-shaped cushions to reduce coccyx pressure
Take regular breaks to stand and stretch
Medications
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain and inflammation
Muscle relaxants if spasms are contributing
Topical analgesics for localized relief
Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor rehabilitation, manual coccyx mobilization, and posture correction
Stretching and strengthening for surrounding muscles and ligaments
Lifestyle Modifications
Weight loss if obesity is contributing
Improved ergonomics at work or home
Interventional Pain Management Options
If conservative therapy fails, interventional procedures can provide targeted, longer-term relief:
Coccygeal Nerve Block
Injection of local anesthetic and steroid around the coccyx to reduce inflammation and pain
Used both diagnostically and therapeutically
Ganglion Impar Block
Targets the ganglion impar, a nerve cluster at the front of the coccyx
Often used for chronic or neuropathic tailbone pain
May provide significant relief with repeatable results
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Following a successful nerve block, RFA can be used to interrupt pain signals from the coccyx
Offers longer-lasting relief—often 6–12 months or more
Image-Guided Injections
All procedures are performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for precise targeting and safety
When to Seek Help
You should consider seeing a specialist if:
Tailbone pain lasts more than a few weeks
Pain is severe or interfering with sitting, work, or sleep
Symptoms persist despite conservative treatment
There is no clear cause, or pain is worsening over time
Specialized Care for Tailbone Pain
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we specialize in precise, minimally invasive treatments for coccydynia. Whether your pain began after a fall, childbirth, or has no obvious cause, our team will create a customized treatment plan to reduce pain and help you get back to sitting, moving, and living comfortably.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to find lasting relief from tailbone pain.